Your child may be little, but that doesn't mean they're too young to embrace the western style! Many Western wear companies, like Eli's Western Wear, have cowboy hats and other gear for infants. If you're looking to stock your little one's closet with all the cowboy or cowgirl essentials, here's what you should get.

Infant Cowboy Hats

When they hear "Western style", the hat is what comes to most people's minds first. The original cowboy hats were made to protect cowboys from the sun and rain. Today, most people wear them as a fashion statement, but they still have practical benefits like sun protection and keeping the head cool. And on babies, another bonus is that they look super adorable in them! Pick up a hat for your little one as the finishing touch of their Western look. There are a few different types you can choose for your little one, which we'll detail below.

Felt Hats

Infant felt hats bring a classic, polished look to any tiny outfit. These hats, as their name suggests, are crafted from felt, a dense, matted material created by pressing wool or other fibers together. This material is soft to the touch and comfortable for a baby to wear. Felt hats often feature a decorative band and a traditional cattleman or pinch-front crown, just like the ones adults wear. Have your little wrangler wear a felt hat to family photos or special occasions where you want them to look their best.

Straw Hats

For sunny days out on the ranch or just a stroll in the park, a straw cowboy hat is practical and stylish. These hats are lightweight and breathable, which helps keep your baby cool. Infant straw hats typically have a flexible brim to shield their delicate skin from the sun. Look for one with a soft elastic inner band, as this adds comfort and helps the hat stay put on a breezy day.

Soft Fabric Hats

Soft fabric hats are made from materials like cotton or a gentle polyester blend, which makes them exceptionally lightweight and easy for an infant to wear for extended periods. They might not have the rigid shape of a traditional hat, but they still capture that Western spirit with their curved brims and cute embellishments.

Onesies and Bodysuits

Western-style onesies come in a variety of fun designs, from prints of cowboy boots and horseshoes to clever sayings like "Little Buckaroo." They're made from soft, breathable cotton that’s gentle on an infant's skin, and feature snap closures at the bottom make diaper changes quick and easy, which is a feature every parent can appreciate.

Cowboy Booties

No Western outfit is complete without a pair of cowboy boots, and infant booties are an adorable miniature version. These soft-soled shoes mimic the look of real cowboy boots with details like intricate stitching and pull tabs. They're designed for comfort, so your baby's feet can move freely.

Denim Jeans

A classic pair of denim jeans is a staple in any Western wardrobe, and that includes your infant's. Infant jeans are made from soft, stretchy denim to allow for maximum comfort and movement as your baby kicks and wiggles. They often have an elastic waistband instead of a traditional button and zipper, which makes them easy to pull on and off.

Pearl Snap Shirts

Originally designed for cowboys in the early 20th century, pearl snap shirts became a staple of Western wear due to their durability and practicality, with snap buttons allowing for quick removal in case of snags or accidents. Pearl snap shirts for infants are typically made from soft plaid or chambray fabric and feature the iconic snap buttons instead of traditional buttons. The snaps make dressing and undressing your baby much easier; just snap them on or snap them off, and voila, they're ready to go!

Bandanas

A colorful bandana is a versatile accessory that can add a pop of Western style to any infant's outfit. You can tie it loosely around their neck (with supervision, of course), use it as a headband, or even attach it to a diaper bag. Infant-sized bandanas are made from soft cotton and come in classic paisley prints.

Vests

A tiny vest adds another layer of style and authenticity to your infant's Western attire. You can find them in materials like faux suede, denim, or even soft-quilted fabrics. An infant vest is a simple piece that you can easily layer over a onesie or a pearl snap shirt to create a more put-together look for your little one.

Diaper Covers

A diaper cover is a waterproof layer worn over a cloth diaper to prevent leaks. While practical, these covers can also be quite stylish! Many parents will have their child wear just their diaper and a cover on warm days when layers of clothing are too much. You can find these covers in prints like cowhide, denim, or paisley to match the rest of your baby’s Western outfit.

Belt Buckles

While a real belt might be too cumbersome for an infant, you can still get the look with a decorative buckle. Some Western onesies and outfits come with a printed-on belt and buckle design. For a more three-dimensional option, you can find soft, fabric "buckles" that attach to the front of a onesie or a pair of jeans with a simple snap or velcro.

Blankets

Your little one spends most of their day swaddled in a blanket anyway. Why not get them a themed one to go along with the rest of their look? Horses, cacti, or rustic plaid are some common Western-themed patterns you can find on baby blankets. You'll use these blankets mainly for swaddling, but they also work as rustic decor for the nursery when your baby isn’t wrapped up in them, and as props for photo shoots where you want your little one looking their Western best.

Stock That Closet

This ultimate guide to infant cowboy hats and gear will help you fill your little cowpoke's wardrobe with everything they need to become a full-fledged Western star. Once you decide which pieces to get, come find them at Eli's Western Wear!

We offer a variety of Western baby clothes, including cowboy hats in different styles and materials. You’ll also find adorable cowboy boots and accessories like bandanas and belts. And knowing how quickly infants grow, we’ve added a line of toddler and child Western wear so your little one can keep their style as they grow.